Method and system for adaptive interleaving of tape storage based on dynamic error pattern detection

Abstract

The application discloses a magnetic tape storage adaptive interleaving method and system based on dynamic error mode detection, relates to the technical field of magnetic tape interleaving, and comprises the following steps: continuously collecting error information in a magnetic tape reading and writing process and forming a structured report; judging the received structured report according to a preset rule, dynamically calculating new interleaving parameters, and outputting a decision package containing a new interleaving depth factor and a new available track list; checking whether the parameters in the received decision package are within a preset range, and if yes, sending an instruction to a magnetic tape drive through a bottom driver interface, setting new interleaving configuration for the magnetic tape, and obtaining a success status code returned by the magnetic tape drive; and the interleaving method significantly improves the reliability and error correction efficiency of the magnetic tape storage system in a complex error environment, reduces redundancy, and improves the effective utilization rate of storage space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of magnetic tape interleaving technology, and in particular to an adaptive interleaving method and system for magnetic tape storage based on dynamic error mode detection. Background Technology

[0002] In magnetic tape data storage systems, encoding and layout strategies are key technologies for improving fault tolerance to physical anomalies such as burst errors, track noise, and degradation. Traditional interleaving technology, which involves distributing consecutive data units in a staggered manner on the physical medium, has been widely used in various storage devices, such as hard disks, optical discs, and magnetic tape systems. This effectively prevents consecutive errors from concentrating on a single data block, thus improving the overall decoding success rate.

[0003] In the field of magnetic tape storage systems, column-wise interleaving (CWI) is an important data arrangement method. It arranges data in units of codewords before writing, interleaving multiple data blocks across different physical tracks. A typical CWI structure is CWI-4, which works by byte-interleaving data in groups of four C1-level error correction codewords and distributing them across four physical tracks to form a "CWI-4 entry". This interleaving logic achieves vertical isolation at the physical level, allowing for correction and filling of errors even if a cascading error occurs on one track, information from surrounding tracks can be used.

[0004] However, CWI-4 is designed with a "fixed-structure interleaving" mechanism, meaning its interleaving parameters (such as interleaving depth, track assignment order, and assignment ratio) are preset in the encoder or control chip and are difficult to adjust during operation. This results in significant limitations when faced with dynamic error patterns that emerge during actual tape use. For example, when a track experiences a persistently high error rate due to head aging or contamination, CWI-4 still adheres to the "four-track averaging" logic, treating that track as an equivalent path and failing to take circumvention measures based on its actual condition, leading to problems such as increased bit error rate, increased rereading costs, and data recovery failures.

[0005] Although some technologies have been attempted to improve fault tolerance in recent years, such as: enhanced ECC mechanism, which increases the number of redundant bits in the codeword to improve the error correction radius; hot zone identification and track remapping to dynamically skip physical error regions; and multidimensional interleaving, which unfolds an interleaved structure in the spatial and temporal domains.

[0006] However, most of these improvement solutions follow the "enhancement" approach (i.e., increasing redundancy and expanding the protection range), which are mechanical compensation methods. They lack cognitive capabilities, making it difficult to form targeted strategy selections. They still cannot actively identify abnormal trajectories, accurately avoid paths, or automatically configure interleaving parameters, thus belonging to "fixed defense".

[0007] Under the "fixed defense" approach, data is arranged in a fixed manner during writing, and its interleaving structure is statically preset. It cannot dynamically adjust the interleaving depth and pattern according to actual error modes, resulting in insufficient fault tolerance. The biggest problem with this method is its inability to adjust in real time to cope with gradual area degradation, individual track failures, or sudden error modes that occur during operation. Therefore, it suffers from significant robustness bottlenecks under the ever-evolving demands of storage applications, and struggles to effectively improve the reliability and error correction efficiency of tape storage systems when facing complex error modes (such as a mixture of sudden and random errors). Summary of the Invention

[0008] Based on the technical problems existing in the background technology, this invention proposes an adaptive interleaving method and system for magnetic tape storage based on dynamic error mode detection, which significantly improves the reliability and error correction efficiency of magnetic tape storage system in complex error environments, while reducing redundancy and improving the effective utilization of storage space.

[0009] The adaptive interleaving method for magnetic tape storage based on dynamic error mode detection proposed in this invention includes:

[0010] Continuously collect error information during the tape reading and writing process and generate structured reports;

[0011] The received structured report is judged according to the preset rules, new interleaving parameters are dynamically calculated, and a decision package containing a new interleaving depth factor and a new list of available tracks is output.

[0012] Check if the parameters in the received decision packet are within the preset range. If so, send an instruction to the tape drive through the underlying driver interface to set a new interleaving configuration for the tape and obtain the success status code returned by the tape drive.

[0013] Furthermore, the error information during the tape reading and writing process specifically includes: burst error detection status, burst error length, error rate of each physical track, and overall error rate.

[0014] Furthermore, the burst error detection status is a Boolean value used to indicate whether a continuous error has been detected. When an error occurs after reading more than a preset number of data blocks consecutively, the burst error detection status is set to true; otherwise, it is false.

[0015] The burst error length is an integer representing the number of consecutive error data blocks.

[0016] The error rate of each physical track is a mapping relationship, which lists the frequency of error occurrence for each physical track;

[0017] The overall error rate is a floating-point number representing the average error rate across all physical tracks.

[0018] Furthermore, the step of judging the received structured report according to preset rules, dynamically calculating new interleaving parameters, and outputting a decision package containing a new interleaving depth factor and a new list of available tracks specifically involves:

[0019] When the system starts up, key parameters are pre-configured according to tape type, drive performance and reliability requirements. These key parameters are: burst error detection threshold, single track error rate threshold, default interleaving depth and default available tracks.

[0020] Strategy 1: If the burst error detection status is true and the burst error length exceeds the preset burst error judgment threshold, the system increases the interleaving depth. If, after increasing the interleaving depth, the latest structured report shows that the burst error detection status is false, the system restores the interleaving depth to the default interleaving depth.

[0021] Output the decision package based on strategy one.

[0022] Furthermore, the decision package generation process also includes:

[0023] After the correction of Strategy 1, if the sudden error detection status is true and the sudden error length exceeds the sudden error judgment threshold, then Strategy 2 is used to detect the fault track.

[0024] Strategy 2: If any physical track has an error rate greater than the single track error rate threshold, that physical track is identified as a faulty track. The system removes the faulty track from the currently available track list and forms a new recommended available track list. If all physical tracks are marked as faulty tracks, the system issues a warning and reverts to using all physical tracks. If a faulty track has been avoided, but the latest structured report shows that the error rate of the faulty track has dropped to a preset lower error limit threshold, the system reactivates all physical tracks in the track list.

[0025] The decision package is output based on a combination of strategy one and strategy two.

[0026] Furthermore, when the performance of the magnetic tape head exhibits progressive degradation, the response process is as follows:

[0027] When it is detected that the overall error rate in the structured report is continuously greater than the preset overall error rate threshold for Q consecutive times, the interleaving depth is increased, where Q is an integer;

[0028] The increased interleaving depth is sent to the tape drive to improve redundancy.

[0029] Furthermore, the step of checking whether the parameters in the received decision packet are within a preset range specifically involves:

[0030] Extract new interleaving depth factors and new lists of available tracks from the decision package;

[0031] Verify that the new interleaving depth factor and the new list of available tracks are within their respective preset ranges;

[0032] Once the verification is successful, instructions are sent to the tape drive through the underlying driver interface to set the interleaving configuration, including a new interleaving depth factor and a new list of available tracks, and to obtain the success status code returned by the tape drive.

[0033] An adaptive interleaving system for magnetic tape storage based on dynamic error mode detection includes:

[0034] The error information monitoring module is used to continuously collect error information during the tape reading and writing process and generate structured reports;

[0035] The error pattern recognition and policy matching module is used to judge the received structured report according to preset rules, dynamically calculate new interleaving parameters, and output a decision package containing a new interleaving depth factor and a new list of available tracks.

[0036] The adaptive interleaving control module checks whether the parameters in the received decision packet are within the preset range. If so, it sends a command to the tape drive through the underlying driver interface to set a new interleaving configuration for the tape and obtains the success status code returned by the tape drive.

[0037] Furthermore, the error information during the tape reading and writing process specifically includes: burst error detection status, burst error length, error rate of each physical track, and overall error rate;

[0038] The burst error detection status is a Boolean value used to indicate whether a series of errors have been detected. When errors occur after reading more than a preset number of data blocks consecutively, the burst error detection status is set to true; otherwise, it is false.

[0039] The burst error length is an integer representing the number of consecutive error data blocks.

[0040] The error rate of each physical track is a mapping relationship, which lists the frequency of error occurrence for each physical track;

[0041] The overall error rate is a floating-point number representing the average error rate across all physical tracks.

[0042] Furthermore, the process by which the error pattern recognition and policy matching module generates the decision package is as follows:

[0043] When the system starts up, key parameters are pre-configured according to tape type, drive performance and reliability requirements. These key parameters are: burst error detection threshold, single track error rate threshold, default interleaving depth and default available tracks.

[0044] Strategy 1: If the burst error detection status is true and the burst error length exceeds the preset burst error judgment threshold, the system increases the interleaving depth. If, after increasing the interleaving depth, the latest structured report shows that the burst error detection status is false, the system restores the interleaving depth to the default interleaving depth and outputs a decision packet according to Strategy 1.

[0045] If the burst error detection status is true, and the burst error length exceeds the burst error judgment threshold, then strategy two is used to detect the fault track.

[0046] Strategy 2: If any physical track has an error rate greater than the single track error rate threshold, that physical track is identified as a faulty track. The system removes the faulty track from the currently available track list and forms a new recommended available track list. If all physical tracks are marked as faulty tracks, the system issues a warning and reverts to using all physical tracks. If a faulty track has been avoided, but the latest structured report shows that the error rate of that physical track has dropped to a preset lower error limit threshold, the system reactivates all physical tracks in the track list and outputs a decision package based on a combination of Strategy 1 and Strategy 2.

[0047] The advantages of the adaptive interleaving method and system for magnetic tape storage based on dynamic error mode detection provided by this invention are as follows: It dynamically adjusts the interleaving depth and mode according to the actual error modes. By monitoring error modes in real time and performing dynamic optimization, it can significantly improve the reliability and error correction efficiency of the magnetic tape storage system in complex error environments, while reducing redundancy and improving the effective utilization of storage space. When writing data to multiple tracks, the interleaving logic avoids faulty channels and enhances the carrying capacity of high-integrity tracks. During reading, each interleaved block can perform deinterleaving and RS decoding processes after interpreting parameter metadata, achieving a higher decoding success probability and stronger data recovery capability. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the process of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0049] The technical solution of the present invention will now be described in detail through specific embodiments. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the adaptive interleaving method for magnetic tape storage based on dynamic error mode detection proposed in this invention includes:

[0051] The error information monitoring module continuously collects error information during the tape reading and writing process and generates structured reports;

[0052] The error pattern recognition and policy matching module judges the received structured report according to preset rules, dynamically calculates new interleaving parameters, and outputs a decision package containing a new interleaving depth factor and a new list of available tracks.

[0053] The adaptive interleaving control module checks whether the parameters in the received decision packet are within the preset range. If so, it sends an instruction to the tape drive through the underlying driver interface to set a new interleaving configuration for the tape and obtains the success status code returned by the tape drive.

[0054] This embodiment can dynamically adjust the interleaving depth and mode according to the actual error mode. By monitoring the error mode in real time and performing dynamic optimization, it can significantly improve the reliability and error correction efficiency of the tape storage system in complex error environments, while reducing redundancy and improving the effective utilization of storage space.

[0055] Traditional magnetic tape storage systems, due to their fixed interleaving method, cannot dynamically adjust to actual error patterns, resulting in insufficient robustness when facing complex and changing error modes. This embodiment fundamentally solves this problem by establishing a closed-loop feedback system of error information perception, policy generation, and encoding control.

[0056] This embodiment breaks through the limitations of traditional fixed-value interleaving models—by sensing the actual error types, frequencies, and distribution characteristics occurring on the track, it automatically identifies potential degradation risks in the environment and dynamically determines the most suitable interleaving template accordingly, thereby forming a real-time, dynamically optimizable "coding defense strategy." This type of strategy has the following characteristics:

[0057] Highly targeted: For error-prone tracks, data density can be reduced, redundancy can be increased, or the arrangement can be bypassed;

[0058] Higher space utilization efficiency: Avoid redundancy across the entire area and allocate resources using differentiated strategies;

[0059] Improved synchronization: Real-time optimization of encoding paths without requiring a system restart;

[0060] Highly scalable: Supports future evolution and adaptation to more diverse magnetic tape media and complex error scenarios.

[0061] This embodiment can be understood as a technological evolution from "mechanical defense" to "intelligent defense," which is closer to the strategic goals set for intelligent high-availability storage systems in the era of cyber-physical convergence.

[0062] The implementation of the interleaving method in this embodiment relies on the structural framework of the interleaving system, which consists of four major modules that work together to improve the robustness, reliability and efficiency of the tape storage system. The four major modules are: error information monitoring module, error pattern recognition and strategy matching module, adaptive interleaving control module and tape writing.

[0063] I. The following is a multi-dimensional extended explanation of the error message monitoring module, error pattern recognition and policy matching module, adaptive interleaving control module, and data writing:

[0064] 1. Error message monitoring module;

[0065] This module serves as the system's "perception layer," responsible for continuously collecting various error and performance data during the tape read / write process. It collects data on several classic error types, such as error codeword statistics output by the ECC module, track read / write error intensity and frequency, successful reread counts and failure location distribution, and optional parameters like tape head usage time, temperature, and wear. It does not directly execute decisions or controls but rather provides the necessary and accurate real-time data foundation for subsequent intelligent analysis.

[0066] The error monitoring module organizes the collected error information into a structured report, which is a "data packet" containing various key status information. This data is sampled and analyzed at a high frequency. The structured report includes:

[0067] Burst Error Detection Status: A Boolean value indicating whether a series of errors have been detected; this status is set to true when errors occur after reading more than a preset number of data blocks (e.g., 5 data blocks), otherwise it is set to false.

[0068] Burst error length: An integer representing the number of consecutive error data blocks. The number of consecutive error message blocks displayed is X.

[0069] Track error rates: A mapping that lists the frequency of errors occurring for each physical track. For a four-track system, for example, a structured report might show an error rate of 0.01% for track 0, 0.85% for track 1, 0.02% for track 2, and 0.005% for track 3. These physical track error rates are based on statistics from read / write data for a specific track over a recent period (e.g., the past 5 minutes).

[0070] Overall error rate: A floating-point number representing the average error rate of the entire system (all tracks). For example, a structured report shows an overall error rate of 0.22%.

[0071] Collecting detailed error information with specific numerical values ​​through sensor hardware is a key input for adaptive systems to make intelligent decisions.

[0072] The error information monitoring module in this embodiment is real-time and proactive, and can continuously acquire error information during the tape reading and writing process. This means that the system does not only respond passively after errors accumulate to a certain extent, but can perceive and capture any minor anomalies in real time, providing a critical time window for subsequent rapid decision-making.

[0073] Furthermore, it boasts comprehensive data: it collects not only data-level error information such as logical error codeword statistics and track read / write error intensity and frequency from the ECC module (an ECC module is a hardware module used to detect and correct data errors), but also covers equipment status parameters such as the number of successful rereads and the distribution of failure locations (reflecting error persistence and location), as well as tape head usage time / temperature / wear. This multi-dimensional data collection ensures a comprehensive view of the system's health status, enabling the differentiation between transient errors, random errors, periodic errors, or errors caused by equipment aging. This detailed error information (such as error location distribution) provides fine-grained raw data for subsequent error pattern recognition and strategy matching modules, facilitating accurate diagnosis of the root cause of problems rather than vague judgments.

[0074] It also has the potential for predictive maintenance: by collecting parameters such as the usage time, temperature, and wear of the magnetic head, it lays the foundation for preventive maintenance and predictive fault analysis of the system. It can predict the lifespan of the magnetic tape medium or the magnetic head, thereby taking measures in advance to avoid failure.

[0075] Furthermore, from an economic and operational perspective, this application includes an error information monitoring module with an early warning mechanism: capable of detecting potential minor degradation or localized anomalies that have not yet led to serious data corruption. This allows maintenance personnel to intervene early, perform preventative maintenance or adjust strategies, preventing small problems from escalating into major failures and thus reducing emergency repair costs. Simplified fault diagnosis: providing detailed error logs and parameters greatly simplifies the fault diagnosis and localization process, shortening the mean time to repair (MTBL).

[0076] Finally, as the first step in adaptive interleaving, this module provides high-quality, accurate, and real-time input data for subsequent intelligent decision-making (error pattern recognition and policy matching), which is the key to realizing truly data-driven intelligent storage.

[0077] 2. Error pattern recognition and policy matching module;

[0078] This module is the "intelligent brain" of the adaptive system, responsible for transforming raw error data into actionable strategies. It is the core of dynamic adjustment. It receives structured reports from the error information monitoring module and, based on preset rules, dynamically calculates new interleaving parameters. At system startup, this decision-making module sets key parameters, which are pre-configured according to tape type, drive performance, and reliability requirements.

[0079] Sudden error judgment threshold: 5 consecutive data blocks; if the actual consecutive errors exceed this value, it is considered that a sudden error requiring special handling has occurred.

[0080] Single track error rate threshold: 0.5%; if the error rate of a physical track exceeds this value, the track is considered to be faulty.

[0081] Default interleaving depth: 1 factor, corresponding to CWI-4 structure.

[0082] The default available tracks are [0,1,2,3], which represent the four physical tracks of the CWI-4 structure.

[0083] When the error pattern recognition and policy matching module receives a new structured report (once every 10 seconds), it executes the following logic to generate a set of recommended interleaving parameters:

[0084] (a1) Upon system startup, key parameters are pre-configured based on tape type, drive performance, and reliability requirements. These key parameters include: burst error detection threshold, single track error rate threshold, default interleaving depth, and default available tracks. Current status is assessed: using the current interleaving depth and active track list as a reference, adjustments are prepared.

[0085] (a2) Strategy 1: If the burst error detection status is true (i.e., a burst error is detected), and the burst error length (e.g., 12 consecutive data blocks) exceeds the preset burst error judgment threshold (5 consecutive data blocks), then the system increases the interleaving depth (e.g., the interleaving depth is adjusted to twice the default value (from 1 to 2 times, equivalent to adjusting from CWI-4 to CWI-8 structure)). If, after increasing the interleaving depth (to twice the factor), the latest structured report shows that the burst error detection status is false, then the system restores the interleaving depth to the default interleaving depth (i.e., 1 factor).

[0086] (a3) Strategy 2: Avoid faulty tracks based on the error rate of individual tracks;

[0087] If any physical track error rate (e.g., track 1's physical track error rate is 0.85%) exceeds the single track error rate threshold (0.5%), then that physical track is identified as a faulty track. The system removes the faulty track from the currently available track list and forms a new recommended available track list [0,2,3]. If all physical tracks are marked as faulty tracks, the system issues a warning and reverts to using all physical tracks. If a faulty track has been avoided, but the latest structured report shows that the error rate of that faulty track (e.g., track 1) has dropped to a preset lower error limit threshold, the system reactivates all physical tracks in the track list ([0,1,2,3]).

[0088] After making a decision based on either Strategy 1 alone or a combination of Strategy 1 and Strategy 2, the final output is a "decision package" containing a new interleaving depth factor (2) and a new list of available tracks ([0,2,3]).

[0089] It should be noted that this embodiment can obtain the decision package using either Strategy 1 alone or a combination of Strategy 1 and Strategy 2. First, Strategy 1 is used for correction. If the problem can be solved by increasing the interleaving depth, then Strategy 2 is unnecessary. If, after correction using Strategy 1, the burst error detection status is true, and the burst error length still exceeds the burst error judgment threshold, then Strategy 2 is used for fault track detection.

[0090] The error pattern recognition and strategy matching module in this embodiment can convert complex raw error information into clear "error patterns" (such as persistent track failures, sudden bad block regions, etc.), thereby achieving an intelligent leap from data to decision-making. It can accurately match the most suitable interleaving strategy template based on the identified specific error pattern (such as the distribution and structural characteristics of error hotspots). This targeted adjustment is more effective than a fixed strategy, avoiding the resource waste or insufficient protection caused by a "one-size-fits-all" approach.

[0091] In addition, the strategy template defines multi-dimensional parameters, including interleaving depth, track selection range, data shuffling order, and abnormal track redundancy enhancement factor. This gives the system a rich toolbox to deal with errors of different types and severities, providing more granular protection.

[0092] Moreover, it avoids unnecessary excessive redundancy, increasing interleaving depth or redundancy only when needed, thus making more efficient use of storage space and write bandwidth. For example, during normal operation, lower redundancy can be used to improve performance and optimize resource utilization. At the same time, it automates error pattern recognition and strategy selection, greatly reducing the need for manual error analysis and parameter adjustment, and lowering operational complexity.

[0093] Finally, the error pattern recognition and policy matching module can identify "complex error patterns (such as a mixture of burst errors and random errors)," which enables it to maintain strong robustness in the face of more complex and unpredictable storage environments in the future.

[0094] 3. Adaptive interleaving control module;

[0095] This module is the system's "execution layer," responsible for translating the parameter packets generated by the error mode recognition and policy matching module into actual operations on the tape drive. Upon startup, the adaptive interleaving control module establishes a connection with the underlying drive interface. This interface simulates the functionality of an actual hardware driver, allowing upper-layer software to send configuration commands to the tape drive. When the adaptive interleaving control module receives a "decision packet" from the error mode recognition and policy matching module, it performs the following operations:

[0096] (b1) Parameter extraction: Extract new interleaving depth factor (2) and new available track list ([0,2,3]) from the decision package.

[0097] (b2) Verification and Distribution: Verify that the new interleaving depth factor and the new list of available tracks are within their respective preset ranges. The interleaving depth factor 2 is within the allowed range of [1,2], and the track ID [0,2,3] is within the valid range of [0,3]. After successful verification, a command is sent to the tape drive through the underlying driver interface to set the interleaving configuration, including the new interleaving depth factor and the new list of available tracks.

[0098] 3. Result Feedback: The module determines whether the parameter application was successful based on the driver's response. The driver returns a success status code.

[0099] The adaptive interleaving control module in this embodiment can perform structure-level interleaving generation based on a specified set of strategy parameters, transforming abstract strategies into concrete physical write actions. Its core is dynamic interleaving sorting generation, which can map data blocks to the optimal track layout in real time according to track availability and strategy, ensuring data is written in the safest and most efficient manner.

[0100] By "reducing the distribution ratio of erroneous tracks and lowering their load ratio," and even dynamically skipping faulty tracks, this effectively avoids bad tracks and ensures that data is written to healthier tracks, thus significantly improving the success rate of writing and the recoverability of subsequent reads. Simultaneously, it can dynamically balance the write load based on the health status of the tracks. Furthermore, this adaptive interleaving control module can "ensure spatial consistency and timing parsing synchronization between tracks," guaranteeing that even when dynamically adjusting the interleaving mode, the written data structure remains predictable and parsable, providing a stable foundation for subsequent deinterleaving and decoding.

[0101] Furthermore, from an economic and operational perspective, it minimizes downtime: hot-swappable capabilities directly translate to fewer maintenance windows and longer system uptime, saving enterprises significant operating costs and potential business losses. It also improves operational efficiency: automated, manual parameter adjustments reduce the workload and complexity for the operations team.

[0102] Finally, the adaptive interleaving control module gives the tape storage system unprecedented flexibility and resilience, enabling it to cope with various emergencies and media aging; its flexible interleaving control capabilities allow it to better adapt to application scenarios with different performance and reliability requirements.

[0103] This embodiment, through this closed loop of "perception-decision-execution", enables the system to perceive errors in real time, intelligently generate strategies and execute them immediately, thus completely solving the problem of the lack of dynamic adjustment capability in the traditional static interleaving mode.

[0104] 4. Improved tape data writing and recoverability;

[0105] This module represents the "final outcome" of the entire adaptive solution, focusing on the ultimate goal of data protection.

[0106] This embodiment features: enhanced data integrity, superior data recoverability, and metadata-assisted decoding;

[0107] Enhanced data integrity: By implementing a dynamic interleaving structure (error information monitoring module, error pattern recognition and policy matching module, and adaptive interleaving control module), faulty paths are avoided during writing, and the capacity to carry high-integrity tracks is improved. This means that the data written to the tape itself has higher initial quality, thereby reducing the introduction of errors at the source.

[0108] Excellent data recoverability: During reading, each interleaved block can be deinterleaved and RS decoded after being interpreted by parameter metadata. Combined with adaptive interleaving depth and scattering order, errors can be more effectively dispersed and corrected even when faced with sudden errors, mixed errors or regional degradation, thereby achieving a higher decoding success rate and stronger data recovery capability.

[0109] Metadata-assisted decoding: The parameter metadata that is attached during writing is like a "manual" for the data. It ensures that the original interleaving structure can be accurately restored during reading, which is the key to the correct interpretation of complex dynamic interleaving.

[0110] Finally, this embodiment significantly improves the reliability of tape storage systems, making them more competitive in long-term archiving and data protection, and enabling them to undertake more critical data storage tasks. The strong guarantee of data integrity and recoverability greatly enhances user confidence in tape storage solutions. Furthermore, enhanced data recoverability helps meet increasingly stringent data retention and compliance regulations, which is crucial for enterprise data governance.

[0111] II. Targeting gradual regional degradation;

[0112] Progressive regional degradation manifests as a slow decline in the performance of magnetic tape media or magnetic heads over time, leading to a gradual increase in the overall or local error rate, which traditional systems cannot effectively address.

[0113] The error information monitoring module uses sensor hardware to continuously collect parameters such as "track read / write error intensity and frequency" and "tape head usage time / temperature / wear". These data, such as the overall error rate or the error rate of a specific track, will slowly increase over time, thus reflecting the gradual degradation of the medium. When the overall error rate continues to climb, for example, gradually increasing from 0.008% to 0.25% over a period of time, a structured report is generated.

[0114] When the performance of the magnetic head of the magnetic tape medium exhibits progressive regional degradation, the interleaving system responds as follows: when it detects that Q consecutive overall error rates in the structured report are greater than a preset overall error rate threshold, the interleaving depth is increased, where Q is an integer; the increased interleaving depth is then sent to the magnetic tape drive to improve redundancy.

[0115] That is, when the overall error rate of the structured report continues to exceed a preset overall error rate threshold (e.g., 0.2%) due to progressive degradation, the error pattern recognition and policy matching module will identify this degradation trend. If the structured report shows an overall error rate as high as, for example, 0.25%, exceeding the preset 0.2% threshold, it is recommended to increase the interleaving depth factor to 2 to enhance the decision-making outcome regarding tolerance to media degradation.

[0116] The adaptive interleaving control module is responsible for executing the instruction to increase the interleaving depth. It sends a command to the tape drive to set the interleaving depth factor to 2. Upon successful completion, the tape drive updates the interleaving depth factor to 2 and finally writes the tape data. By increasing the interleaving depth, the system distributes data more widely across different areas of the tape, thereby improving redundancy. Even if the performance of some areas degrades due to gradual degradation, data recovery is still guaranteed.

[0117] III. Addressing individual physical track faults;

[0118] Individual track faults manifest as a physical track (or a few physical tracks) having a significantly higher error rate than other tracks. Traditional systems cannot identify and avoid these faults, resulting in continuous data writing to the damaged area.

[0119] The error information monitoring module in this embodiment identifies which physical track has a problem by collecting "track read / write error intensity and frequency" and generates a structured report: the error rate of each physical track is 0.01%, track 1 is 0.85%, track 2 is 0.02%, and track 3 is 0.008%. Among them, the error rate of track 1 is significantly higher than that of the other tracks.

[0120] The error pattern recognition and policy matching module can identify the "persistent track failure" pattern. It determines the faulty track by comparing the error rate of each track with a preset threshold. Track 1 is found to have an error rate of 0.85%, which exceeds the preset single-track error rate threshold of 0.5%. Decision implementation: The error pattern recognition and policy matching module identifies track 1 as the faulty track and recommends removing it from the list of available tracks. The new list of active tracks is [0, 2, 3].

[0121] The adaptive interleaving control module receives the updated active track parameters and applies them to the drive. The module then sends a command to the tape drive to update the active track list to [0,2,3]. Upon receiving a response from the tape drive, the drive successfully sets the active tracks to [0,2,3]. This indicates that the drive has received and set the new list of available tracks, meaning that subsequent data writes will avoid these faulty tracks, thus ensuring data quality.

[0122] IV. For sudden error modes / complex error modes (such as a mixture of sudden and random errors);

[0123] Sudden errors involve continuous data corruption, while mixed errors are more complex. Traditional systems, when faced with such errors, may not be able to effectively distribute the errors using a fixed interleaving pattern, resulting in low error correction efficiency.

[0124] In this embodiment, the error information monitoring module obtains "error codeword statistics output by the ECC module" and "successful reread count and failure location distribution" through sensors, determines whether the error is continuous (burst error) or dispersed (random error), and generates a report: the burst error detection status is true, and the burst error length is 8 consecutive error blocks.

[0125] The error pattern recognition and policy matching module identifies the "burst bad block region" pattern. It determines that the burst error detection status is true, and the burst error length of 8 exceeds the preset burst error judgment threshold of 5. The error pattern recognition and policy matching module suggests increasing the interleaving depth factor to 2. Increasing the interleaving depth factor distributes the data of a codeword across more physical tracks. For example, by adjusting from a CWI-4 to a CWI-8 structure, the data affected by a burst error (usually physically continuous) is logically more widely distributed, thus reducing the degree of damage to a single codeword and making it easier to be corrected by RS error correction codes.

[0126] The adaptive interleaving control module receives and executes a command to increase the interleaving depth. The module sends a command to the tape drive to set the interleaving depth factor to 2. Upon receiving a response from the tape drive, it confirms that the tape drive has successfully updated the interleaving depth factor to 2.

[0127] By implementing the dynamically adjusted interleaving structure described above, the written data itself possesses stronger error resistance. During reading, because the interleaving depth and mode are adjusted according to the error characteristics, combined with the stored parameter metadata, the deinterleaving and RS decoding processes can be completed more efficiently, thereby achieving a higher decoding success rate and stronger data recovery capabilities. Even in the face of complex burst and mixed errors, data integrity can be guaranteed to the greatest extent.

[0128] As an example;

[0129] This embodiment integrates the three modules mentioned above (error information monitoring module, error pattern recognition and strategy matching module, and adaptive interleaving control module). The system can monitor, decide, and adjust interleaving parameters in real time to adapt to different error scenarios. The following is a specific embodiment corresponding to the system operation:

[0130] (c1) System startup and initialization:

[0131] The simulated tape drive interface initialization is complete. The interleaving depth factor is set to 1, and all tracks [0,1,2,3] are available. The error message monitoring module, error pattern recognition and strategy matching module, and adaptive interleaving control module are started.

[0132] (c2) Scenario 1: Normal operation:

[0133] Structured report from the error information monitoring module: No burst errors were detected, number of consecutive error blocks was 0, error rates for each track were all below 0.01%, and the overall error rate was 0.008%.

[0134] Error pattern recognition and strategy matching module judgment: All indicators are normal, the system suggests keeping the default interleaving depth of 1 and all physical tracks [0,1,2,3] available;

[0135] Adaptive interleaving control module execution: Tape drive configuration remains at its default state.

[0136] (c3) Scenario 2: A sudden error is detected:

[0137] Structured report from the error information monitoring module: A sudden error was detected, with 12 consecutive error blocks, exceeding the threshold of 5. The error rate of each track increased slightly, with an overall error rate of 0.15%.

[0138] Error pattern recognition and policy matching module judgment: According to the sudden error policy, the system suggests adjusting the interleaving depth to a factor of 2, while keeping all physical tracks [0,1,2,3] available;

[0139] Adaptive interleaving control module execution: The tape drive successfully updated the interleaving depth to a factor of 2.

[0140] (c4) Scenario 3: Track 1 fault:

[0141] The structured report from the error information monitoring module states: No sudden errors were detected, but the error rate of physical track 1 is as high as 0.85%, exceeding the threshold of 0.5%. Other physical tracks are normal.

[0142] Error pattern identification and policy matching module judgment: The interleaving depth remains unchanged at a factor of 2. The system suggests avoiding the faulty physical track 1, and subsequent writes should only use tracks [0,2,3].

[0143] Adaptive interleaving control module execution: The tape drive successfully updated the list of available tracks to [0,2,3].

[0144] (c5) Scenario 4: Sudden error and track 3 fault coexist:

[0145] Structured report from the error information monitoring module: A new burst error was detected, with 15 consecutive error blocks. The error rate of physical track 3 is as high as 1.2%, exceeding the threshold of 0.5%. The error rate of physical track 1 has recovered to 0.04%.

[0146] Error pattern recognition and policy matching module judgment: Due to the continuous presence of burst errors, the interleaving depth remains at a factor of 2. Physical track 1 has returned to normal, but physical track 3 is now faulty. The system suggests avoiding the faulty physical track 3, and the available track list can be adjusted to [0,1,2].

[0147] Adaptive interleaving control module execution: The driver successfully updated the list of available tracks to [0,1,2].

[0148] (c6) Scenario 5: Error situation improved, system returns to normal:

[0149] Structured report from the error information monitoring module: All error metrics have returned to normal levels, with 0 consecutive error blocks. Error rates for all tracks are below 0.03%, and the overall error rate is 0.02%.

[0150] Error pattern recognition and policy matching module judgment: Error situation improved, the system suggested restoring the interleaving depth to the default factor of 1 and reactivating all physical tracks [0,1,2,3].

[0151] Adaptive interleaving control module execution: The tape drive successfully restored the configuration to its initial default state.

[0152] Through the above simulation steps, the system demonstrates how it dynamically adjusts interleaving parameters based on real-time feedback and specific error values, thereby effectively adapting to various error modes that the tape storage system may encounter during operation, and greatly improving the system's robustness and data reliability.

[0153] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adaptive interleaving method for magnetic tape storage based on dynamic error mode detection, characterized in that, include: Step 1: Continuously collect error information during the tape reading and writing process and generate a structured report. The error information specifically includes: burst error detection status, burst error length, error rate of each physical track, and overall error rate. Step 2: Judge the received structured report according to the preset rules, dynamically calculate the new interleaving parameters, and output a decision package containing the new interleaving depth factor and the new list of available tracks. Step 3: Check whether the parameters in the received decision packet are within the preset range. If so, send an instruction to the tape drive through the underlying driver interface to set a new interleaving configuration for the tape and obtain the success status code returned by the tape drive. Step two specifically involves: When the system starts up, key parameters are pre-configured according to tape type, drive performance and reliability requirements. These key parameters are: burst error detection threshold, single track error rate threshold, default interleaving depth and default available tracks. Strategy 1: If the burst error detection status is true and the burst error length exceeds the preset burst error judgment threshold, the system increases the interleaving depth. If, after increasing the interleaving depth, the latest structured report shows that the burst error detection status is false, the system restores the interleaving depth to the default interleaving depth and outputs a decision packet according to Strategy 1. If the sudden error detection status is true, and the length of the sudden error exceeds the sudden error judgment threshold, then strategy two will continue to be used for fault track detection. Strategy 2: If any physical track has an error rate greater than the single track error rate threshold, that physical track is identified as a faulty track. The system removes the faulty track from the currently available track list and forms a new recommended available track list. If all physical tracks are marked as faulty tracks, the system issues a warning and reverts to using all physical tracks. If the faulty track has been avoided, but the latest structured report shows that the error rate of the faulty track has dropped to a preset lower error limit threshold, the system reactivates all physical tracks in the track list and outputs a decision package based on a combination of Strategy 1 and Strategy 2.

2. The interlacing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The burst error detection status is a Boolean value used to indicate whether a series of errors have been detected. When errors occur after reading more than a preset number of data blocks consecutively, the burst error detection status is set to true; otherwise, it is false. The burst error length is an integer representing the number of consecutive error data blocks. The error rate of each physical track is a mapping relationship, which lists the frequency of error occurrence for each physical track; The overall error rate is a floating-point number representing the average error rate across all physical tracks.

3. The interlacing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the performance of magnetic tape heads exhibits progressive degradation, the following procedures should be followed: When Q consecutive overall error rates in a structured report are detected to be greater than a preset overall error rate threshold, the interleaving depth is increased, where Q is an integer. The increased interleaving depth is sent to the tape drive to improve redundancy.

4. The interlacing method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of checking whether the parameters in the received decision packet are within a preset range specifically involves: Extract new interleaving depth factors and new lists of available tracks from the decision package; Verify that the new interleaving depth factor and the new list of available tracks are within their respective preset ranges; Once the verification is successful, instructions are sent to the tape drive through the underlying driver interface to set the interleaving configuration, including a new interleaving depth factor and a new list of available tracks, and to obtain the success status code returned by the tape drive.

5. A magnetic tape storage adaptive interleaving system based on dynamic error mode detection, characterized in that, include: The error information monitoring module is used to continuously collect error information during the tape reading and writing process and generate a structured report. The error information specifically includes: burst error detection status, burst error length, error rate of each physical track, and overall error rate. The error pattern recognition and policy matching module is used to judge the received structured report according to preset rules, dynamically calculate new interleaving parameters, and output a decision package containing a new interleaving depth factor and a new list of available tracks. The adaptive interleaving control module is used to check whether the parameters in the received decision packet are within the preset range. If so, it sends an instruction to the tape drive through the underlying driver interface to set a new interleaving configuration for the tape and obtains the success status code returned by the tape drive. The process by which the error pattern recognition and policy matching module generates the decision package is as follows: When the system starts up, key parameters are pre-configured according to tape type, drive performance and reliability requirements. These key parameters are: burst error detection threshold, single track error rate threshold, default interleaving depth and default available tracks. Strategy 1: If the burst error detection status is true and the burst error length exceeds the preset burst error judgment threshold, the system increases the interleaving depth. If, after increasing the interleaving depth, the latest structured report shows that the burst error detection status is false, the system restores the interleaving depth to the default interleaving depth and outputs a decision packet according to Strategy 1. If the sudden error detection status is true, and the length of the sudden error exceeds the sudden error judgment threshold, then strategy two will continue to be used for fault track detection. Strategy 2: If any physical track has an error rate greater than the single track error rate threshold, that physical track is identified as a faulty track. The system removes the faulty track from the currently available track list and forms a new recommended available track list. If all physical tracks are marked as faulty tracks, the system issues a warning and reverts to using all physical tracks. If a faulty track has been avoided, but the latest structured report shows that the error rate of that physical track has dropped to a preset lower error limit threshold, the system reactivates all physical tracks in the track list and outputs a decision package based on a combination of Strategy 1 and Strategy 2.

6. The interlacing system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The error information during the tape reading and writing process specifically includes: burst error detection status, burst error length, error rate of each physical track, and overall error rate; The burst error detection status is a Boolean value used to indicate whether a series of errors have been detected. When errors occur after reading more than a preset number of data blocks consecutively, the burst error detection status is set to true; otherwise, it is false. The burst error length is an integer representing the number of consecutive error data blocks. The error rate of each physical track is a mapping relationship, which lists the frequency of error occurrence for each physical track; The overall error rate is a floating-point number representing the average error rate across all physical tracks.

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